Spaceport America claims the title of the world’s first commercial spaceport built from scratch. It stretches across 18,000 acres in New Mexico’s Jornada del Muerto desert.
The FAA licensed it for civilian spaceflight, and it gives commercial space companies a dedicated launch site with restricted airspace and modern infrastructure.
The spaceport sits on 18,000 acres of State Trust Land in southern New Mexico. Its 12,000-foot by 200-foot runway can handle both horizontal and vertical launches.
Spaceport America enjoys 6,000 square miles of restricted airspace. That’s a huge protected zone for spacecraft to fly without worrying about commercial planes.
The location sits high up and the weather is usually cooperative. Low humidity helps keep spacecraft and gear from corroding.
There’s almost nobody living nearby, which makes it safer for commercial space launches.
On average, about 340 days each year are good for launches. That kind of reliability is a big draw for companies planning regular flights.
Spaceport America isn’t a converted military base or old airport. The designers planned it specifically for commercial spaceflight right from the start.
It supports both suborbital and orbital missions and doesn’t deal with the restrictions of older infrastructure.
Passenger safety and comfort take priority here. The terminal has areas for space tourists to prep before flights and recover afterward.
The runway’s 200-foot width is wider than standard airports, so it fits bigger spacecraft—like those used in space tourism.
Specialized Features:
The spaceport keeps commercial aviation separate from space operations. That cuts down on delays and makes launch procedures run smoother.
The New Mexico Spaceport Authority runs Spaceport America as an autonomous state agency. It connects to the state’s Economic Development Department but operates independently.
Spaceport America lies 45 miles north of Las Cruces and 20 miles southeast of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. The Jornada del Muerto desert basin gives it isolation, but it’s still not too far from major cities.
It sits right next to White Sands Missile Range. That’s handy for extra security and coordination with federal space programs.
Geographic Advantages:
Southern New Mexico’s latitude works well for different orbital missions. Operators get more flexibility for flight planning and trajectories.
Spaceport America uses a 12,000-foot runway for horizontal launches and a two-square-mile vertical launch area with several launch pads. It also houses specialized mission control buildings and payload processing centers for both suborbital and orbital flight operations.
The runway stretches 12,000 feet long and 200 feet wide, fitting all sorts of aircraft and spacecraft. It’s built from concrete and stays operational year-round in the desert climate.
At 4,595 feet above sea level, the runway’s high elevation gives a natural boost to air-breathing engines and cuts down on drag during launches.
Traffic Pattern Details:
Spaceport America keeps 6,000 square miles of restricted airspace in partnership with White Sands Missile Range. That makes it a rocket-friendly zone with few air traffic headaches.
Pilots need prior permission to use the airport, and they use UNICOM procedures. Weather info gets broadcast on 118.675 MHz for flight planning.
The vertical launch area covers over two square miles and has dedicated infrastructure for rocket operations. Several launch pads serve different vehicles and customers.
Current Launch Infrastructure:
Four modular buildings handle payload processing and launch control. Companies can lease these for short or long-term needs.
All-weather roads link the vertical launch complexes. Electrical lines run throughout, supporting ground equipment and telemetry.
Spaceport America’s facilities support flight operations and safety monitoring. The modular building setup means they can reconfigure for different missions.
Launch control teams work closely with airspace managers and range safety staff. They keep an eye on vehicle telemetry and weather during launch windows.
Operational Capabilities:
The on-site emergency response team stands ready for any flight ops. They coordinate with White Sands Missile Range for broader safety coverage.
Spaceport America handles crewed and uncrewed missions. The payload processing areas can manage satellite deployments, research payloads, and space tourism flights, all with clean room environments.
Spaceport America’s spot in southern New Mexico’s Jornada del Muerto Desert gives it some of the best weather and isolation you could ask for in commercial space operations.
The Jornada del Muerto Desert gives Spaceport America a huge operational edge. The site covers 18,000 acres right next to White Sands Missile Range.
That desert setting means 6,000 square miles of restricted airspace—no commercial planes getting in the way. Space tourism launches run smoother here.
With so few people nearby, safety risks stay low. Major cities are far enough away that launches don’t disrupt neighborhoods.
White Sands Missile Range shares resources and know-how with the spaceport. That partnership makes flights safer for everyone involved.
The open desert gives ground crews clear sightlines for tracking. They can follow vehicles visually for the whole flight, which adds a layer of safety to radar tracking.
Southern New Mexico delivers 340 days of clear weather each year. That’s tough to beat and means fewer launch delays.
The region’s steady atmosphere helps keep equipment in good shape. Low humidity stops corrosion, and dry air improves visibility for ground teams.
Rain almost never cancels launches. Unlike coastal sites, the desert doesn’t have to deal with storms very often.
Temperatures stay pretty stable, which is great for spacecraft performance. Extreme temperature swings can mess with fuel and electronics, so the desert’s moderate climate is a plus.
Winds are usually predictable, too. That’s helpful for pilots—especially those flying horizontal takeoff and landing vehicles like Virgin Galactic’s.
Spaceport America hosts a mix of aerospace companies, from space tourism pioneers to high-altitude platform developers. Virgin Galactic anchors the place, but UP Aerospace, SpinLaunch, and others are building out a real commercial space ecosystem.
Virgin Galactic anchors Spaceport America and keeps its global headquarters there. The company developed the SpaceShipTwo system, which includes the WhiteKnightTwo carrier and the SpaceShipTwo passenger spaceship.
The VSS Unity is Virgin Galactic’s first operational spaceship, built by The Spaceship Company. This reusable craft takes private passengers to suborbital space above 50 miles.
Virgin Galactic runs regular commercial spaceflights for private astronauts and research missions out of Spaceport America. Their presence really establishes the facility as the first commercial spaceport designed for passenger space tourism.
Through the Galactic Unite initiative, Virgin Galactic and Spaceport America team up for STEM education. They reach out to future engineers and space professionals with this program.
UP Aerospace specializes in launch services and flight tests at Spaceport America. The Colorado-based company runs the SpaceLoft platform, which gives researchers access to suborbital space.
SpaceLoft missions offer over three minutes of microgravity and can carry up to 36 kilograms to 120 kilometers altitude. The company also built the Spyder rocket, which can reach 400 kilometers and speeds over Mach 7.
In 2017, UP Aerospace and Cesaroni Technologies opened the Space Propulsion Center at Spaceport America. It’s got solid rocket motor manufacturing, test equipment, and assembly areas.
The Space Propulsion Center uses remote-controlled mixing and casting, plus final assembly and testing gear. These facilities help UP Aerospace ramp up its launch and vehicle development programs.
SpinLaunch set up the world’s biggest evacuated centrifuge at Spaceport America to test its kinetic launch tech. They want to revolutionize satellite launches with centrifugal acceleration.
Instead of chemical rockets, the SpinLaunch system uses kinetic energy to fling small satellites into space. That could cut launch costs and reduce environmental impact.
SpinLaunch began testing its suborbital accelerator system at Spaceport America. The space and infrastructure here let them push their tech further.
HAPSMobile and AeroVironment work together on high-altitude platform stations, testing solar-powered aircraft for stratospheric telecom systems about 20 kilometers up.
Prismatic develops the PHASA-35 solar aircraft for long-endurance, high-altitude missions. BAE Systems bought Prismatic in 2021, which boosted development.
EXOS Aerospace and Boeing use Spaceport America for tests and launches. Boeing brings its manufacturing muscle as a customer and partner.
White Sands Research & Developers runs suborbital missions with the Mustang rocket. They offer turnkey launch services for payloads and experiments.
Spaceport America features two main launch zones for vertical rocket launches and horizontal takeoffs. Since opening, the facility has supported over 400 Part 101 rocket launches and multiple FAA-licensed missions.
Horizontal Launch Operations tap into the commercial spaceport’s 12,000-foot runway, letting aircraft-style spacecraft take off just like planes. The Horizontal Launch and Landing Area supports vehicles like SpaceShipTwo, thanks to Virgin Galactic’s ongoing work here.
This runway gives direct access to 6,000 square miles of restricted airspace, managed in partnership with White Sands Missile Range.
The facility welcomes suborbital launch providers and unmanned aerial vehicle operators. Companies can handle manufacturing, testing, and launching all at one spot.
Emergency response teams stay on-site 24/7, always ready to support flight operations.
Vertical Launch Area stretches across more than two square miles and comes packed with facilities built for classic rocket launches. You’ll find multiple launch pads, launch rails, and plenty of specialized infrastructure.
Two 10-meter diameter general-purpose launch pads serve a range of customers. There’s also a big 200-foot square launch pad for the larger vehicles.
Construction crews keep expanding the vertical launch side. Right now, they’re working on a new 50-foot launch rail.
Power lines reach across the launch area so customers can run their operations without hassle.
Virgin Galactic Operations really stand out as the most visible commercial spaceflight activity at Spaceport America. The company moved its operations from California to start up regular suborbital tourism flights.
SpaceShipTwo vehicles head out from the runway after WhiteKnightTwo aircraft carry them aloft.
Virgin Galactic has already flown multiple paying customers to space from this site. These missions show that space tourism from the facility is more than just a wild idea—it actually works.
Government and Commercial Programs use both launch areas for a variety of missions. FAA-licensed vertical rocket launches send payloads to suborbital altitudes.
Surface-to-stratosphere testing programs help validate high-altitude platform systems and unmanned aircraft.
Balloon launches and rocket engine static test fires add more revenue streams. The remote location means the facility can host testing operations that simply wouldn’t be safe anywhere near a big city.
Spaceport America has really become a catalyst for commercial space development. It offers essential infrastructure and testing capabilities that let private companies push rocket technology forward and chase new market opportunities.
The facility’s unique setup keeps drawing major aerospace firms, helping cement a competitive spot in the global space markets.
Spaceport America acts as a testing ground for next-generation spacecraft and propulsion systems. The 6,000 square miles of restricted airspace give companies the freedom to run extensive flight tests without worrying about commercial air traffic.
Virgin Galactic relies on the spaceport to develop its suborbital tourism capabilities. The company pulled off several crewed flights from here, proving that commercial space tourism isn’t just hype.
SpinLaunch runs its kinetic launch system at the spaceport. Their centrifuge-based tech cuts rocket fuel needs by up to 70%, which is pretty wild if you think about it.
The 12,000-foot runway handles horizontal takeoff vehicles, supporting companies working on air-launched rocket systems and reusable spacecraft.
The facility helps test all sorts of propulsion tech. Companies try out hybrid rocket motors, electric propulsion, and experimental fuel blends in controlled, safe conditions.
Spaceport America has helped strengthen America’s standing in the commercial space race. In 2024, its operations generated almost $240 million in economic output, showing that commercial space infrastructure can pay off.
International partnerships have grown thanks to the spaceport. HAPSMobile, a joint venture between SoftBank and AeroVironment, uses the facility for high-altitude platform development.
The spaceport has opened up new space tourism markets. Regular suborbital flights prove there’s real consumer demand for commercial space experiences—if you can afford it, of course.
Aerospace supply chains have sprung up around the facility. Local and regional companies now handle spacecraft maintenance, launch support, and mission planning.
The spaceport’s success has pushed other states to try building their own competing facilities. That kind of competition drives innovation and tends to bring costs down across the industry.
Spaceport America brings in serious economic returns for New Mexico, adding nearly $240 million to economic output in 2024. This growth comes from partnerships with local academic institutions that dig into detailed economic analyses.
New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center tracks Spaceport America’s financial impact with comprehensive reports. Their 2024 analysis shows big growth since the spaceport started operating.
The facility supported 790 jobs across New Mexico in 2024, up from 396 jobs in 2019. Direct employment climbed to 313 positions, compared to 242 five years ago.
Economic output jumped from $72 million in 2019 to $240 million in 2024. That’s more than triple growth over six years.
The spaceport contributed $110.8 million in value-added production in 2024. Labor income hit $73.1 million that same year.
Metric | 2019 | 2024 | Growth |
---|---|---|---|
Direct Jobs | 242 | 313 | 29% |
Total Jobs | 396 | 790 | 99% |
Economic Output | $72M | $240M | 233% |
Revenue comes from tenant operations, construction, visitor spending, and spaceport operations. Out-of-state visitors bring in significant dollars for Sierra and Doña Ana counties.
The New Mexico Spaceport Authority teams up with NMSU’s Arrowhead Center and Center for Border Economic Development for research. These partnerships produce annual economic impact reports using standard analysis methods.
Dr. Kramer Winingham leads as program director and co-author of the economic reports. His team tracks tenant jobs, private construction spending, visitor spending, and tax impacts.
These partnerships build reliable data collection. The research follows established protocols to keep things accurate and consistent year after year.
The collaboration expands on previous studies, with 2024’s analysis building on earlier 2022 and 2023 research. This creates a data set that shows trends over time.
Academic involvement means independent verification of the numbers. Universities bring analytical know-how and stay objective when assessing the spaceport’s performance.
Spaceport America powers aerospace education through partnerships with New Mexico universities and hosts the world’s biggest student rocket competition. These programs let students get hands-on with commercial space operations and real engineering experience.
Spaceport America works with New Mexico State University and New Mexico Tech to create real-world capstone projects. These partnerships give students direct access to the challenges facing commercial aerospace.
In 2025, thirteen students wrapped up engineering projects for the spaceport. NMSU students designed a launch rail adapter so smaller rockets could use the full-sized rail at Launch Complex 4. The adapter worked perfectly during its first test flight in April 2025.
New Mexico Tech students revamped the spaceport’s rocket motor test stand. Their design lets the launch rail system move from horizontal to vertical, so customers don’t need to bring their own launch gear.
Student Project Outcomes:
Dr. Joachim Lohn-Jaramillo, a Spaceport America aerospace engineer, mentors all student projects. Students show off their work at semester clinics every spring.
The spaceport also links up with the National Association of Rocketry club at NMSU. This gives students a chance to earn official NAR certifications through launches at the facility.
The Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC) lands at Spaceport America every year. University teams from all over the globe come to launch student-built rockets.
IREC stands as the largest rocket competition on the planet. Teams compete in different categories based on rocket payload and altitude targets.
Students have to design, build, and launch rockets that hit specific performance goals.
In 2021, the event switched things up with virtual components due to global restrictions. The Virtual Spaceport America Cup brought in 70 teams from 16 countries. Students participated remotely but still had to meet the technical standards.
The competition connects right back to New Mexico’s aerospace industry. Local companies often recruit from these student teams.
Students get a real look at commercial space operations and possible career paths.
Teams must meet strict safety and technical requirements. Each rocket faces a thorough inspection before getting the green light.
The competition gives students practical experience in aerospace project management and regulatory compliance.
Spaceport America opens its doors to visitors with guided tours that give access to active launch facilities and space technology exhibits. Tours run from two New Mexico locations, but you’ll need to book in advance—security at a commercial launch site is no joke.
Final Frontier Tours handles all public visits to Spaceport America with scheduled group experiences. They run tours on Fridays from Las Cruces at 9:00 AM, and on Saturdays from Truth or Consequences at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Each group maxes out at 13 visitors. Everyone travels on multimedia-equipped shuttles to the secure site in the New Mexico desert.
The four-hour tour packs in a lot. Visitors walk the Astronaut Walk, then head into the Gateway Gallery with interactive space exhibits.
The G-Shock simulator puts you through acceleration forces similar to spaceflight—up to 3G, which is more intense than most roller coasters.
Tours include a stop at the Spaceport Operations Center, where you can meet facility crew members. The fire station shows off emergency response capabilities for launches.
The iconic Gateway to Space terminal by Foster + Partners is a favorite photo spot. Visitors get to walk parts of the 12,500-foot runway used for spacecraft launches and landings.
Security rules keep public access limited to scheduled tours only. You have to book ahead with Final Frontier Tours to visit the active commercial spaceport.
Tours leave from two visitor centers. The Las Cruces location is at 336 S. Main Street. Truth or Consequences tours start at the Geronimo Trail Visitors Center, 523 Broadway.
Tenant operations with Virgin Galactic and other commercial space companies stay private and off-limits to the public. On active launch days, tours might get canceled or rescheduled.
The visitor centers feature space-themed exhibits and sell official merchandise. Interactive displays teach about commercial spaceflight and New Mexico’s role in the industry.
Booking a tour requires a phone reservation at 915-355-9702, mostly because of security clearances and limited space.
Spaceport America weaves environmental sustainability into its design and daily operations. They use innovative building tech and careful ecological management to make it happen.
The facility picked up LEED Gold Certification by adding features that minimize environmental impact without sacrificing performance.
Sustainability sits at the core of Spaceport America’s mission, especially given its remote desert setting. They’ve put in place a bunch of green technologies to cut resource use and lower their environmental footprint.
Water management is a big deal in New Mexico’s dry climate. The team uses efficient water systems to keep waste down and relies on proper filtration to protect their equipment from corrosion.
Solar energy powers a good chunk of the facility. Solar panels are scattered across the complex, helping them lean less on the grid and even bringing in some extra revenue.
For climate control, the building uses natural ventilation that works with the desert air, not against it. This setup keeps energy use down while still making the place comfortable for everyone.
The terminal building earned its LEED Gold badge by using environmental tech tailored for the desert. Earth tubes bring in outside air, cooling it underground before it flows inside.
Heating and cooling systems use underfloor radiant tech, so they keep temperatures comfy and energy use low. Solar thermal panels boost the heating system, taking advantage of all that desert sun.
Designers made sure the building fits into the landscape and meets the tough standards for commercial spaceflight. They picked natural materials and earth tones so the place blends right in.
Waste management and water conservation back up their green efforts. The spaceport proves that commercial space operations can work in balance with fragile desert ecosystems.
Spaceport America keeps moving forward with new infrastructure and fresh partnerships. The commercial spaceport is deep into a master planning process to handle the growing interest from aerospace companies.
The New Mexico Spaceport Authority kicked off a master plan to guide growth on their 18,000-acre site. They’re looking at what’s needed for space, aviation, and advanced technology industries.
This master plan checks current conditions and ongoing upgrades. It tries to predict what kind of activity will show up next and what tech or facilities they’ll need.
They’re looking at:
The team keeps an eye on market shifts and national security needs. They’re also weighing public and private investment options for future growth.
Spaceport America works with established tenants and hunts for new partnerships. Companies like Virgin Galactic, SpinLaunch, Up Aerospace, and Prismatic help create a pretty diverse aerospace scene.
Leadership actively seeks new commercial space companies to join them. The spaceport gives these companies access to loads of restricted airspace and custom-built infrastructure.
They’re especially interested in companies building launch vehicles, satellite services, and aerospace testing. The spaceport offers a rocket-friendly environment for all sorts of missions.
Strategic planning focuses on growing economic diversity in the aerospace community. This opens the door for more collaboration between government and private industry.
Spaceport America gets a ton of questions about tours, events, ownership, and launches. They host big rocket competitions, offer public tours if you book ahead, and operate under state ownership while serving commercial space companies.
Every year, Spaceport America puts on the Spaceport America Cup, which is the world’s largest rocket competition. Student teams from all over the globe show up to launch their high-powered rockets.
They handle over 300 launches a year, from vertical rockets to high-altitude balloons. Virgin Galactic and other aerospace companies run regular commercial spaceflights here.
You’ll also find film shoots, photo sessions, and private corporate events happening at the spaceport. The Gateway to Space building often hosts conferences, meetings, and celebrations.
Educational programs bring in student groups for hands-on STEM activities. These visits mix tours and real-world learning about aerospace and space exploration.
You can visit, but you need to book in advance. Just call 575-267-8888 or head to spaceportamericatour.com to reserve a spot.
Tours include access to the Gateway to Space terminal and launch facilities. Visitors get to see commercial space operations up close and learn the story behind the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport.
Group sizes stay small for security and safety. Tours run on set days, so planning ahead is a must.
The closest commercial airports are in El Paso and Albuquerque, both about a two-hour drive from the spaceport.
The State of New Mexico owns and runs Spaceport America through the New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA). Taxpayers funded the $218.5 million build, with $142.1 million from the state and $76.4 million from local taxes.
NMSA oversees all 18,000 acres, handling airspace, security, fire services, and emergency support for everyone on site.
Virgin Galactic is the anchor tenant with a 20-year lease. Other long-term tenants are AeroVironment/HAPSMobile, UP Aerospace, and SpinLaunch.
Short-term customers use the place for their own aerospace missions. Companies like Swift Engineering, Stratodynamics, and C6 Launch Systems are regulars.
Launch schedules shift based on what each customer needs and safety checks. Virgin Galactic runs regular spaceflights, but they only announce dates close to the launch window.
Weather and airspace availability always play a role in timing. The facility works with White Sands Missile Range and the FAA to secure the 6,000 square miles of restricted airspace.
When public viewing is possible, they post updates on spaceportamerica.com. Most launches keep access limited for safety and privacy.
They’ve been launching to space since 2007. In 2014, UP Aerospace set the highest altitude launch from the site, hitting 407,862 feet.
Registration for the Spaceport America Cup goes live on the official website and through aerospace education networks. University teams usually start planning months ahead.
Teams have to design, build, and launch rockets to hit specific altitude targets. Universities from around the world compete in different categories.
Everyone needs to meet safety and technical standards before getting the green light to launch. These rules keep things safe and in line with federal aviation regulations.
The event runs annually and draws hundreds of students. It’s a real-world chance to get hands-on with rocket design, manufacturing, and launch ops.
You’ll find the Gateway to Space terminal building has displays all about commercial spaceflight and how the facility operates. People can check out these exhibits if they join a scheduled tour or come for special events.
On the education page, the spaceport shares STEM lesson plans and activities. Teachers can grab these resources to bring a bit of space excitement into their classrooms.
Educational tours give students a look at spacecraft technology and possible careers in space exploration. They also get to hear about the different aerospace companies working out of the facility.
The spaceport’s team visits conferences, schools, and community events for speaking engagements. They talk about commercial space development and what New Mexico brings to the table in the space industry.